Chef Assistant

Overview LeafSpring School is a 5-star, Cognia and NAEYC-accredited preschool located off Interstate 485. We are seeking a qualified and experienced Chef Assistant for our Matthews campus. Job Summary Responsible for all aspects of food service management, including daily preparation and delivery of the school menu, maintaining food and supply inventories, supporting family style dining implementation, and adhering to all health, sanitation, and cleaning responsibilities. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Prepares and serves snacks and lunches on time as scheduled. Facilitates family style dining for applicable age groups. Adheres to the printed menu; changes must be approved by the Director and submitted 24 hours in advance for parents' review. Assists in menu planning and revision of a healthy menu, using seasonal and fresh ingredients as appropriate. Stocks and organizes all food items, using a first-in, first-out stock rotation system. Operates the kitchen within budgetary guidelines. Follows the cleaning schedule to maintain the highest sanitation standards. Manages children's allergies: maintains current allergy lists in the kitchen, updates recipes, develops food label inventories, and partners with teachers and parents to safeguard children from allergens. Prepares alternate meals per published options to accommodate dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian). Uses materials and food items in a conservative manner; stocks kitchen with foods in sufficient quantity to serve the posted menu. Serves as a quality control point for all aspects of food service preparation, delivery, and storage, abiding by local health and sanitation rules. Participates in the orientation of new school personnel regarding all aspects of food service. Participates in food preparation for special school events and activities as requested. Work Ethic / Team Behaviors Participates in special projects at the request of the Administrative Team. Assists with public relations events (social, parent, special interest). Displays a courteous, positive, and mature attitude. Maintains CPR certification. Maintains First Aid certification. Supports and adheres to all regulations. Maintains ongoing professional growth. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Must be 18 years of age. Must demonstrate a love for children and the ability to relate well with them, their families, and teachers. Associate's Degree or greater in Nutrition, Food Service Management, or related field preferred; to complete within first year. Maintains safe food service certification. Two-year minimum of food service cooking experience; coursework or experience in child development preferred. CPR certified or obtains certification within six months of employment. First Aid certified or obtains certification within six months of employment. Physical requirements: bend, stoop, twist, kneel, sit, walk, run short distances, stand, reach above head, lift up to 50 lbs; good color/depth perception and fine hand/finger movements; necessary traits include seeing, hearing, talking, reading, and writing. Job Details Job Type: Full-time Shift: 8‑hour day shift Experience: Culinary experience 1 year (Required), Cooking 1 year (Required) Work Location: In person Benefits 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance LeafSpring School is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment policies and decisions on employment and promotion are based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs. The decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes. We are a drug‑free workplace and any candidates we consider must pass a drug test and background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr